Dismal spring didn't stop ex-Reds shortstop from reportedly making Rangers roster

Jose Barrero had a number of chances during his time in Cincinnati, but it never clicked. Barrero was, at one time, the top prospect in the Cincinnati Reds farm system. Unfortunately, all that potential was wasted and eventually the Reds saw fit to move on.

Earlier this spring, the Reds placed Barrero on waivers. Any team willing to take on his contract was able to submit a claim, and the Texas Rangers were the lucky winners. Barrero was down to his last chance with the Reds, and hit .200/.429/.600. Despite the power numbers, Cincinnati was unconvinced and knew Barrero was not going to make the Reds Opening Day roster.

The Rangers stepped in and took a flier on the 25-year-old. But the change in scenery didn't help. In nine Cactus League games with the Rangers, Barrero hit just .059/.200/.118 with a 55% strikeout rate. That's not usually going to curry favor with your new ball club, but the Rangers are reportedly willing to roll the dice with Barrero. According to MLB.com reporter Francys Romero, Barrero was informed that he made the Rangers Opening Day roster.

Dismal spring didn't stop ex-Reds SS Jose Barrero from reportedly making Rangers Opening Day roster

Keeping Barrero is a bit peculiar, but the Rangers have been without All-Star shortstop Corey Seager for almost the entire spring. Seager underwent surgery for a sports hernia earlier this year, and while the Rangers never really questioned his Opening Day status, it wasn't until Saturday that the World Series MVP appeared in an actual game.

Barrero is out of minor-league options, which was one of the reasons Cincinnati decided to part ways with the infielder. Barrero was supplanted on the depth chart by the likes of Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Noelvi Marte.

However, after Barrero's dismissal, it was revealed that Marte would be suspended for 80 games due to a violation of MLB's performance-enhancing drugs policy. Marte will miss the start of the season and any potential playoff games following a positive test for boldenone.

The Reds' depth at shortstop took another hit after McLain injured his shoulder during spring practice earlier this month. The extent of McLain's absence is not yet known, but it forced the Reds to add another infielder to the roster. The Reds swung a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for former All-Star Santiago Espinal.

If the reports are true, Barrero will surely be a backup. Nathaniel Lowe will open the season on the injured list, and if Barrero is headed back to Arlington, that could mean that one of Josh Smith or Ezequiel Duran will begin the 2024 in the minor leagues. Barrero seems to have nine lives, and the Rangers appear willing to see if the former Reds shortstop can tap into that massive potential that never amounted to results during his time in Cincinnati.

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